"Supernumerary" Judges

A supernumerary Judge is essentially a part-time Judge. For more information on eligibility and the responsibilities of a supernumerary Judge, please refer to the federal JUDGES ACT >>

The Structure of the Supreme Court

The Nova Scotia Supreme Court is a circuit court, which means its Judges travel to and from their home location to other courthouses to hear cases. Although they live and work in communities across Nova Scotia, they have province-wide jurisdiction. The Judges who sit in the Supreme Court are appointed by the Federal Government and are known as "Justices."

The Chief Justice administers both divisions of the Supreme Court, assisted by one Associate Chief Justice for each division. There is also a variable number of full-time and Supernumerary Justices on the Court. Upon appointment, the Justices of the Supreme Court are also ex officio members of the Court of Appeal and can be called upon to act as appellate judges when necessary.

 

The Justices of the Supreme Court

  
 

Chief Justice Deborah K. Smith
Associate Chief Justice Patrick J. Duncan
Justice Joshua M. Arnold - Halifax
Justice John Bodurtha - Halifax
Justice Denise Boudreau - Halifax
Justice Christa M. Brothers - Halifax
Justice Jamie S. Campbell - Halifax
Justice James L. Chipman - Halifax
Justice Kevin Coady - Halifax ***
Justice C. Richard Coughlan - Halifax ***
Justice D. Timothy Gabriel - Halifax
Justice Gail L. Gatchalian - Halifax
Justice Robin C. M. Gogan - Sydney
Justice Frank P. Hoskins - Pictou
Justice Jeffrey R. Hunt - Truro
Justice Darlene Jamieson - Halifax
Justice John A. Keith - Kentville
Justice Mona Lynch - Bridgewater ***
Justice Glen G. McDougall - Halifax ***
Justice Pierre L. Muise - Yarmouth
Justice Patrick J. Murray - Sydney
Justice Scott Norton - Pictou
Justice Peter Rosinski - Halifax
Justice Diane Rowe - Bridgewater
Justice Ann E. Smith - Halifax
Justice Gregory M. Warner - Kentville ***

*** indicates Supernumerary status

For a list of Justices of the Supreme Court Family Division, CLICK HERE >>



Supreme Court matters in the Halifax Regional Municipality are heard at the Halifax Law Courts building on Upper Water Street (above). Family Division matters in the Halifax area are heard at the courthouse on Devonshire Avenue.

For a full list of courthouses across the province, CLICK HERE >>

For more information about the Justices of the Supreme Court,
including the appointment process and how to address them in court,
CLICK HERE >>